York Co. officers battle increasing number of meth labs

YORK COUNTY, N.C. - York County drug agents are uncovering double the amount of meth labs they found only a few years ago, with two more just this week.

They spent the last three years targeting methamphetamine and they expect 2013 to show a drop in meth labs.

But it has not dropped.

In fact, 13 labs have been found in York County so far and that is six more than in 2010. Police have arrested 22 people in connection with the meth labs including William Edwards, Jamie Horne and Brandy Shehan who were arrested and charged last night.

Police raided an apartment on the Catawba Indian reservation where there were Sudafed pills and all the chemical ingredients and supplies needed to make methamphetamine.

Things are getting worse, said Drug Unit Cmdr. Marvin Brown.

"(There are) 13 that we've actually dismantled and know of, there's probably many, many more than that," Brown said.
Last month, Keystone Substance Abuse Services treated four people for meth addiction. They usually average one per month.

The most difficult part is when the pleas for help come from a child, said Director Bonnie Gladden.

"It's really, really sad when you have to see children call for the parents," Gladden said.

Narcotics officers often need more training to deal with the threat of explosions and severe burns from meth labs.